HC Deb 06 November 1972 vol 845 cc601-3
7. Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future of Shotton steelworks.

Mr. Peter Thomas

The Government have received the British Steel Corporation's investment proposals and are studying them urgently. It is not possible to comment on the future of individual works before this study is complete.

Mr. Jones

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman fight and fight again to save steel-making at Shotton? Is he aware that this steelworks, employing 13,000 men and facing 7,000 redundancies, is the economic linch-pin of North Wales? If the Government axe falls on Shotton will he have the guts, the spunk and the spine to resign his seal of office? Will he either get out or deliver the goods?

Mr. Peter Thomas

The hon. Gentleman has had many discussions with me about this problem and he knows very well that I fully appreciate the social and regional implications in the reduction of steel-making at Shotton. He can be assured, as I have assured him before, that these matters will be fully taken into account when decisions are made.

Mr. Roy Hughes

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman also bear in mind that several large steel plants in South Wales are also under a serious threat? Does he appreciate there is deep anxiety among the employees at these works, such as those at Ebbw Vale, East Moors at Cardiff and Stewarts and Lloyds at Newport, which is already under threat of closure? Will he reassure the House about the steps he is taking to alleviate anxiety among these people?

Mr. Peter Thomas

I accept what the hon. Gentleman says; there is anxiety and of course Wales is greatly dependent on steel. Naturally I wish to relieve that anxiety as soon as possible and reach a decision quickly. But big decisions are involved and they must not be rushed.

Mr. George Thomas

While I agree with the Secretary of State that big decisions are involved, as 70,000 of our men in Wales are engaged in the steel industry, may I ask him whether he is aware that his worth to Wales will be measured by the degree that he can protect our steel industry?

Mr. Peter Thomas

As the right hon. Gentleman will be aware, the British Steel Corporation has a duty to put forward its proposals about steel. The management of steel in this country has been vested in the corporation and it has made its proposals. The Government, taking into account all the social and economic interests, will have to come to a decision. As I have said, these are big decisions and must not be rushed.

Mr. Jones

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the wretchedly unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

29. Mr. Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the future of Brymbo steelworks.

Mr. Peter Thomas

The Government have received the British Steel Corporation's investment proposals and are studying them urgently. It is not possible to comment on the future of individual works before this study is complete.

Mr. Ellis

Is the Secretary of State aware that the present time appears to be appropriate for exorcising the spectre of the hiving-off of these works conjured up by the Government, and when it is exorcised, will he not agree the employees of the British Steel Corporation at Brymbo will have been firmly convinced that they are employed by one of the more viable, not to say juicy, steelworks?

Mr. Thomas

Although I appreciate fully the social and regional implications of the reduction of steel-making at Brymbo, I must point out that all these matters will be taken into account before a decision is taken on these works.